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Participant, CLF 2022-2023 Director, CLF 2023-2025 Harvard College Class of 2029
June 19, 2025
June 7, 2025
Work alongside community members in a floating home village in Cambodia and participate in meaningful service to build new homes.
Jump aboard the Rustic Pathways boat and embark on one of our most unique service adventures. Travel through part of the mighty Mekong river system on the region’s most impressive body of water. Visit Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, where thousands of families live and work in floating homes balancing on thick, bamboo trunks. Stay in homestays with trusted host families and experience their day-to-day lives. Work alongside local professionals to repair and build new floating homes for the community. At the end of a hard day’s work, watch the sunset transform the surface of the lake into an infinite golden glaze. After service work is complete, take time to visit Siem Reap and stroll through the breathtaking stone fortresses of Angkor temples.
Students love the floating village community, playing games on our boat, service projects and Angkor Wat
Once-in-a-lifetime eco-adventure
Age 14-19
$6,095 plus Airfare
Remote village service expedition
Age 13-15
$4,995 plus Airfare
Arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) where you’ll meet your Rustic Pathways Flight Leader, who will help get you checked in and through security before traveling with your group to Cambodia. Get acquainted with fellow Rustic travelers before boarding your flight.
Today is lost as you cross the International Date Line. Not to worry, though–you’ll get it back when you return.
Arrive at Phnom Penh International Airport (PNH) and meet your Program Leaders who will be with you for the duration of the program. Join the group for an orientation discussion about the week ahead, expectations for your adventure, and an introduction to the local culture. Freshen up and head out to explore Cambodia’s capital city. Nestled on the banks of three great Southeast Asian rivers, the Mekong, Tonle Sap, and Bassac, the frenetic streets of Phnom Penh provide a fascinating window into Cambodian culture.
Settle into your hotel after your long travel day. You’ll share twin rooms (separated by gender), with Western-style toilets and showers.
Spend the next two days exploring Cambodia’s busy capital starting with the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, a former school that was used as a torture and interrogation prison under the Khmer Rouge. The building has been converted into a museum to educate visitors about the genocide that occurred here.
Visit the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek where you walk through the quiet and peaceful fields that were once the site of mass killings and burials during the genocide. While difficult to process at times, these sites are important landmarks in Cambodian history and allow you to put contemporary Cambodia in perspective.
Head to the famous Russian market and do a little shopping before exploring the grounds of the extravagant Royal Palace. Cool off with a sunset cruise out to Koh Dach Island, known for its silk farms and handmade goods. Visit Olympic Stadium, a city landmark to see where all of the locals congregate after work to get some exercise.
Pass through rural Cambodia as you journey up to Battambang and make a stop in a village known throughout Cambodia for their clay pots. Sample some interesting insects along the way and continue onward. Once you arrive, settle into this less touristy city for the next two nights. Fill your days here with by visiting a hilltop temple, riding a traditional bamboo train, and witnessing more than a million bats vacate their cave at sunset in search for their daily food.
Enjoy two nights at a hotel here with shared rooms and Western-style amenities.
Begin your next adventure as you hop aboard the Rustic Pathways Boat and make your way to the floating villages of rural Cambodia. Witness a new way of life as you cruise upriver during the morning hours. Families cook morning meals aboard their floating houses and set out nets to reel in the day’s catch. School children, dressed in white shirts and blue shorts, wave excitedly as they begin their day. Throughout your journey, you’ll spend time in two communities, Bak Preah and Prek Toal. During your time in Prek Toal, assist with our Housing Improvement initiative, which was designed in partnership with the local community and seeks to construct and upgrade homes in need of repair.
Your nightly accommodations for the next six nights will consist of traditional floating village homestays with boys sleeping at one home and girls at another. Expect squat toilets and bucket showers.
Hop off of the boat on Sunday afternoon and check into your hotel in Siem Reap where you can grab a hot shower! Refreshed and relaxed, it’s time to go out on the town. Join your group for a post-service debrief in the evening, discussing what you experienced and learned through hands-on work in the community.
Set out in the early morning to marvel at the amazing architecture of Angkor Wat, the largest religious complex in the world. As you enter the complex to explore the structure, check out the intricate carvings of Angkor’s historical battle scenes. If you’re brave enough to climb the steep steps, the view atop the highest tower is well worth it.
Travel next to see the huge, carved faces of Bayon. After lunch, make your way to the shady and cool tree temple of Ta Prohm. Massive trees have grown through these ruins making for a spectacular site. Then enjoy a delicious Khmer dinner and spend some time browsing the night market.
At the end of each program, students reflect on their experiences and the issues they engaged with, and talk about how to apply this new understanding to their own worlds. During or after their closing discussion, groups participate in Rustic Ties, a unique and powerful activity that allows students to capture the memories and learning moments of their program to process and share with their communities back home.
After two incredible and eye-opening weeks, it’s time to say goodbye to the Kingdom of Wonder and journey onward. Your Program Leaders will take you to Siem Reap Internaional Airport (REP) airport for your flight home as you say goodbyes and reflect on your adventure.
If you’re connecting to another Rustic program in Southeast Asia, your Program Leaders will take you to the airport in the morning to begin your next adventure.
Here is a detailed packing list for your time in Southeast Asia this summer. Packing the right gear (and not too much of it) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Remember that you’ll be responsible for carrying your belongings everywhere you go, so PACK LIGHT! If your bag weighs more than 35 pounds, you’ve overpacked!
Packing the right gear (and the right amounts) is the first step to an incredible travel experience. Follow these tips to pack like a pro:
Travel light. Pack only the essentials. You’ll need less than you think! Consider no checked bag. We strongly recommend that you consider packing only a carry-on size bag. This prevents your luggage getting lost or separated from you, keeps your bag manageable, and helps you be more mobile on your travel day. Bring the right clothes. Pack clothes that are culturally appropriate for your destination and acceptable for service projects. This means bringing long shorts (think Bermuda and basketball shorts), t-shirts with sleeves to cover shoulders, and appropriate footwear. Leave your valuables behind. While traveling, it’s easier for things to get lost, stolen, or damaged. Keep any prized possessions safe at home. Check with TSA. Make sure your luggage complies with TSA regulations, especially your carry-on. Useful tip: Pack an empty water bottle and fill it up after security. Extra paperwork? If you need additional forms filled out to get credit for your service hours, no problem! Bring these forms with you so they can be completed in-country.
Weather in Southeast Asia
Summer in Southeast Asia is known as the “rainy season” or the “green season”—days are generally hot and humid, with brief and refreshing showers that keep the land very lush and green. Temperatures sometimes cool off once the sun goes down, making for more pleasant evenings. Because of the heat, you’ll need to drink a lot more water than you’re used to drinking to stay hydrated! Your clothes should be able to get wet, dirty, and / or destroyed during service work and program activities.
Our Dress Code Expectations in Southeast Asia
Southeast Asian cultures are very conservative. Despite the hot climate, people in these parts of the world show less skin than in many Western cultures, and you’ll rarely see low-cut shirts or short shorts in rural communities. As we seek to respect and preserve the culture of the communities we work with, we ask that our students dress conservatively while in country. If you’re not wearing proper attire, we’ll ask you to change your clothes or abstain from the service project of the day.
To dress respectfully in Southeast Asia, please bring loose-fitting pants or shorts that cover just above the knees (think basketball length). Bring basic t-shirts that cover your shoulders, and please leave all tank tops, cut off shirts, low-cut, see-through, or crop tops at home. As mentioned in our packing lists, yoga pants and leggings are not appropriate because they are too form-fitting. The key is to show less skin and to stay cool by wearing loose-fitted clothing.
Temple Visits
Personal hygiene is important in Southeast Asia, so when visiting temples we want to clean up more than while doing service. Wearing modest, clean clothes that cover the knees and shoulders is a must, as per usual. Being respectful is the name of the game!
Laundry
Access to laundry can vary, but most programs find access once a week, though not guaranteed. If you’re getting laundry done in a village or rural town, expect to pay $1-2 per kg. If you’re at a hotel, it can be up to $20 per load.
Carry-On
A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for day trips. Include the following:
Checked Luggage
A 50- to 70-liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.
A school backpack is ideal as it will be used for daily activities and outings.
• Passport! • Photocopy of passport • Two passport photos (needed for Visa) • Visa documentation • Consent to Travel Letter (for students under 19, recommended by the US State Dept but not required) • Rustic Pathways emergency contacts list • Additional community service forms if needed • Wallet / money / ATM card • Pens and journal • Book • Phone • Chargers • Outlet power converter • Camera • Earbuds / Ear plugs • Reusable water bottle • Sunglasses • Eye mask for sleeping • Medication • One change of clothing
A 40-50 liter duffel bag or backpack is ideal.
Clothing
• 2-3 pairs of lightweight pants, jeans (too hot to wear often) or capris; leggings are not culturally appropriate as they are too form-fitting • 4-5 pairs of Long, loose-fitting shorts/skirts for service project work. Something that provides coverage and protection while keeping you cool • 7-10 tops (t-shirts and sports shirts) – they can be cotton, or quick-dry shirts like capilene or polypropylene; tank tops are generally not acceptable unless for time at the pool or beach; keep in mind you’ll find cool t-shirts and other clothing at markets you’ll visit throughout the summer, which can supplement the tops you bring over • 1-2 light, long sleeve t-shirts – breathable is best for the sun and certain areas of the region can get buggy or chilly (if you’re lucky!) at night • 1 lightweight hoodie – most likely needed on flights, in movie theaters, or in airports. Most people will be fine without one • 7-10 pairs of underwear – quick-dry material is best • 4-7 pairs of socks – lightweight cotton or quick dry athletic socks are best • 1 swimsuit – two piece suits are fine but need to be very modest • 1 sarong / shawl / lightweight towel (not white!) – many accommodations will have towels for you to use, but it is handy to have something of your own for sitting poolside or visiting a waterfall
Important Items
• Closed-toed athletic shoes – you are required to wear these for service, they should be shoes that dry quickly, that you can hike short distances in and that protect your feet; shoes will get muddy and dirty, so don’t bring your favorite pair. • Flashlight or headlamp – rechargeable batteries are preferable • Ultra-lightweight rainproof jacket – fear not if you don’t have one; ponchos are widely available and do a better job! • Hat – for the sun • Strappy sandals – like Tevas or Chacos • Comfortable flip-flops or crocs – footwear that is easy to clean and easy to take on and off (you’ll be amazed at how often you’ll be taking your shoes off and on!); cheap flip-flops and crocs are widely available in Asia for a fraction of the cost • A color photocopy of your passport
Toiletries
Most general toiletries are available throughout the region at a fraction of the cost. We suggest packing all items that could leak in a plastic or ziploc bag.
• Deodorant • Shampoo and soap – you may want to bring biodegradable or natural soap and shampoo, but they’re not required • Toothpaste and toothbrush • Lip balm – one with SPF is great • Insect repellent – we suggest a natural option or something with DEET • Hydrocortisone/anti-itch cream or after bite • Hand sanitizer – 1 small bottle; we don’t want you getting sick this summer! • Contact lenses and solution • Oxybenzone-free sunscreen and aloe vera – good quality sunscreen is not readily available in Southeast Asia and is expensive! • Feminine hygiene supplies – tampons aren’t widely available in Southeast Asia; past staff have suggested trying a diva cup; we recommend you bring what you think you will need for the duration of the program
Additional and Optional Items
• Local language phrasebook • Deck of cards, portable games • Photos of family and friends • Digital camera – waterproof style shock-resistant cameras are great for our programs; again, do not depend on your phone – we encourage our students to disconnect from their phones while on program. • Reusable shopping bag for market/shopping in country • Small dry bag or backpack cover to keep your belongings dry during rainy days
Phnom Penh, Battambang, Siem Reap While in the cities, students will be staying in hotels with modern amenities such as air conditioning and hot water. Western toilet and showers, two students per hotel room separated by males and females. Staff stays in the same hotel as students at all times.
Floating Villages Students stay in traditional wooden family homes rented out by Rustic. Students will be sleeping in the “living room” (big open room). The family sleeps in back rooms. Students will have a mattress on the floor with a mosquito net. There will be access to squat toilets, bucket showers, and minimal electricity.
Rustic Pathways works with local community leaders and organizations to identify and prioritize the needs of each community. Please note that while we try our best to ensure we provide our advertised projects, some changes may occur due to the communities and project partners we work with.
Students on this program will participate in the ongoing initiative of building floating homes for local families. Prepare to get your hands dirty during this incredibly powerful project!
This program involves service activities that require students to be physically active
Traditional Khmer food, of course! Cambodia is home to many great cuisines due in part to French colonial influence, and you will get a chance to try these out when in major cities. However, you will be encouraged to eat local food as much as possible, after all, you are in Cambodia! Lok-lak, amok, pra-hok— sound familiar? Be sure to tell one of your local Program Leaders that you want to try pra-hok, which will most certainly give them a laugh. Is it common for Cambodians to eat rice with every meal- even for breakfast, unless they’re having some yummy noodle soup!
Breakfasts will typically include an assortment of cereal, eggs, fruit, fried rice, and noodle soup. Lunches and dinners can consist of stir fried vegetables and meats, various fish dishes, soups, curries and noodles.
Dietary Requirements/Food Allergies – We can easily accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other common dietary requirements on this program. Please make sure to include this in your medical form so that our staff can prepare and we recommend bringing along some of your own favorite snacks!
For students with moderate or severe nut or seafood allergies, you will need to speak with our Global Program Advisors as there is a risk of nut/seafood contagions. Please give us a call using the number below!
Water from the tap is safe to use for brushing teeth, but students will be provided as much clean, safe drinking water (pronounced “duk” in Khmer) as they can drink. Don’t forget to bring along your own reusable water bottle, so we can minimize our plastic usage.
Students should be prepared for hot, humid weather in the high 80s and 90s (Fahrenheit) during the day with daily rain showers. Daily downpours are short and are very much looked forward to as they offer a brief break from the heat of the day. What does that mean for you? Clothes that have synthetic fibers are great because they dry fast (much faster than cotton)! Ponchos can easily be purchased in-country.
Flights – Group flight to Singapore then to Siem Reap. Quick layover and then on to Phnom Penh. Return flight from Siem Reap in reverse. This program does not have any internal flights.
Visas – Rustic Pathways will arrange visas on arrival for all students traveling to Cambodia on United States passports. Students traveling with Rustic Pathways on passports not issued by the United States are responsible for determining their own visa requirements. Please check with the appropriate consulate or embassy. All students are required to bring four passport size photos with them to obtain their visa upon arrival.
Internal Travel – Lots of van rides! We spend several days in each place, giving the chance to really get comfortable. Travel days can vary from a few hours to all day.
We want to encourage students to disconnect in order to fully immerse themselves in the experience and get the most out of their program. Students will only have access to wifi during this itinerary while in the Phnom Penh, Battambang and Siem Reap (the beginning and end of their program). While in the floating village area, students will have no access to internet. Parents will have access to our 24/7 emergency number and will also receive updates from our staff once your student is in country.
All activities in this itinerary are included. Checked luggage fees, personal gifts, laundry, and snacks are not included.
All students are responsible for carrying their own personal spending money and you must be prepared for this responsibility. On average, most students require a minimum of $100-$150 USD per week for incidental expenses (including laundry, any extra snacks, souvenirs, etc.). The night markets in Siem Reap have an amazing variety of crafts, clothing, and unbelievable miscellaneous trinkets.
ATMs are widely available in Cambodia, and students are encouraged to bring ATM cards to limit the risk of theft as they travel. We suggest bringing $200 USD in cash and then using an ATM if additional money is needed. Don’t forget to call your financial institution beforehand to let them know you’ll be traveling out of the country and ask about any additional fees.
Students will have the opportunity to do laundry once during this trip. The average cost is $1 – $2/ kilogram.
In general, Cambodians dress modestly and as polite visitors, we will dress accordingly. It is important that we show respect at all times, particularly when touring and when in rural communities. If you arrive and your clothing is deemed unacceptable by your Program Leaders, you will have to purchase appropriate clothing.
Appropriate attire for service projects and touring: Shorts: Basketball-style only; no short running or soccer-style shorts. Rule of thumb is that the bottom of the shorts should be approaching the kneecap. Loose-fitting pants and capris: Acceptable and preferred for every day wear. Tops: Shoulders must be covered at all times – No tank tops, crop tops, low cut, or transparent shirts.
Ensuring the safety of your teen as they travel with Rustic Pathways is a top priority. Please review our Health and Safety measures.
Our Travel Protection Plan helps protect our participants, their belongings, and their travel investment in those unforeseen circumstances that may arise during travel. Learn more about the plan offered through our partner.